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18 January 2011

Reflections on Childhood Dreams

I sometimes think about my earliest memories--the circumstances, the people, the sensorial aspects--essentially, those little details that remain in your brain forever. Aside from peering over the edge of my sister's bassinet a month shy of my third birthday, several of my most vivid memories involve a tap dancing Shirley Temple. I remember watching her films on the tiny television in our den over and over and over again. The Little Princess was my favorite. I sensed her magnetism; her ability to sparkle and shine and completely steal your heart.

I wanted to be Shirley Temple. She was brilliant and hilarious and cute as a button. A true performer in every sense of the word. I no longer have the desire to achieve stage fame like I once did (and boy, did I desire it badly), but I often think fondly about the little girl who ignited those childhood dreams in the first place.

Feel like a pick me up? Watch this clip of America's original sweetheart singing Animal Crackers in My Soup. Or, print out that top image and hang it next to your desk like I did. I smile every time I see it.

13 comments:

Isn't it wonderful the joy that some of our childhood memories can bring. I was enchanted by theatres as a child - I had a wooden one that I used to make sets for and would play with it for hours. So much fun!

Love this post! I was a huge fan of the old black and white movies when I was a little girl, and I adored Shirley Temple. I used to watch her movies on PBS on a teeny little tv in my bedroom late at night. Animal Crackers is awesome.

Oh Shirley. I love Little Miss Temple. I watched all her movies constantly with my grandma. Did you ever see the one where she was a teenager? I think its 'the bachelor and the bobby-soxer'? I loved seeing her more grown up and she was still so adorable. I am still a huge sucker for a good Shirley movie.